What does a restrictive fire area require before fires can be conducted?

A restrictive fire area is established to prevent fratricide and to protect sensitive areas, assets, or operations within a specific region. Before any fires can be conducted within this area, there is a requirement for coordination with the establishing headquarters. This coordination ensures that all units are aware of the restrictions and the specific conditions under which fires may or may not be executed.

The necessity for this coordination is critical to maintain the safety of friendly forces and to adhere to operational intent. Commanders need to assess the situation, and the coordination helps in determining if the conditions make it safe to conduct fires while still fulfilling mission objectives. This process validates that all relevant information is considered, balancing readiness and compliance with fire control measures.

In contrast, automatic approval, approval from allied forces, or no requirement for coordination do not align with the fundamental principles of fire control in a restrictive fire area, where the priority is to prevent unintended consequences of fire support operations.